The deepest lake in the US is Crater Lake in southern Oregon, which is about 2,000 feet deep. The ancient Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed on itself almost 7,000 years ago, creating this must-see Oregon attraction. In contrast to what its name suggests, Crater Lake is actually a caldera due to its volcanic past. Whatever its origins, Crater Lake is now one of the nation's most stunning national parks, a true natural wonder that is well of a visit.

The Rim Village and Rim Visitor Center on Crater Lake's southern rim are great sites to start exploring the national park. From the visitor center, the 33-mile Rim Drive stretches out to offer panoramic views of Crater Lake. Rim Drive is curved and may be backed up during the summer. The path is also shared by bikers.

Along with providing expansive views of attractions like Wizard Island, a well-traveled hiking trail also leads west from the Rim Visitor Center. Only rain and snowmelt are added to Crater Lake's stunning blue water; no streams or inlets enter the old caldera. The southeast corner of the rim is also skirted by a different section of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs across the country.

The only location in Crater Lake where swimming is permitted is Cleetwood Cove. Hikers descend the 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail on the northeast rim to reach the coastline. On Crater Lake, personal watercraft are not permitted, however during the summer, the park does provide guided ferry cruises to Wizard Island.

Although Crater Lake National Park is open all year round, the best months to go are July through September when the weather is pleasant and there is little possibility of rain.

Location: Klamath County, Oregon

Sixty miles east of Salem, on the North Santiam River, is a sizable reservoir called Detroit Lake. The Detroit Lake State Recreation Area on the northeast shore is the finest location to access this 3,500-acre lake.

The lake is one of the biggest in Oregon, measuring 9 miles and 3,500 acres, and also one of the best lakes to visit in Oregon. The 300 campsite spaces are renowned to sell out like hotcakes in the summer because it is a well-liked location for camping. The most distinctive campground, Piety Island Campground, is located in the center of the lake and is only reachable by boat. Cove Creek Campground and Southshore Campground are two other well-liked Forest Service campgrounds.

Over 250 campsites, a tourist center, and boat ramps are available in the recreation area. All overnight campers have use to the campground's flushing bathrooms and showers, which are available to both RV and tent campers.

Detroit Lake is a popular place for fishing. Due to the numerous surrounding hatcheries, rainbow trout are frequently targeted by anglers. Two marinas in the neighboring city of Detroit provide boat rentals as well as fishing equipment and bait.

Location: Linn & Marion Counties, Oregon

Wallowa Lake is a well-liked hideaway with a beautiful setting at the base of the glaciated Wallowa Mountains in eastern Oregon. In this less populous part of the state, the entire area around Wallowa Lake offers a distinctive alpine experience.

An ideal starting point for exploring this wild area is Wallowa Lake State Park, which is located on the southern coast. The state park offers a campground, boat ramps, and a sizable day-use area. Go to the nearby Wallowa Lake Marina for boat rentals and local fishing advice.

Visitors can ride the neighboring Wallowa Lake Tramway, a tram built in Switzerland, to the summit of Mt. Howard. A tiny network of paths offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers from this elevated vantage point, which also offers fantastic views of the Wallowa Lake basin. The tram can also be used to access the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Location: Wallowa County, Oregon

Timothy Lake is a popular man-made lake and recreation area in northern Oregon, south of Mt. Hood. A number of pathways close to the sea are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders that frequent this aquatic attraction.

The area's most popular trail around the lake for 12 miles and is called the Timothy Lake Loop. Timothy Lake's shoreline is also lined with seven campgrounds, which together have more than 200 sites.

One of the few lakes in the Mount Hood National Forest that permits motorized boating is Timothy Lake. Still, paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard is the most common way to enjoy the water. It's difficult to ignore the magnificent, glaciated view of Mount Hood on the northern horizon when on the lake. A common summertime activity is swimming from the shore.

There are several magnificent bodies of water in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Another well-known lake in the region that offers one of the most recognizable views of Mt. Hood is Trillium Lake. This lake, which resembles a mirror, is located not far from Government Camp and 20 miles north of Timothy Lake.

Location: Clackamas County, Oregon

Paulina Lake is one of two crater lakes in central Oregon's Newberry National Volcanic Monument and one of the best lakes to visit in Oregon. Rain and snowmelt are the only sources of water for Paulina Lake, like other crater lakes in the state. These pristine springs give the lake its mesmerizing blue hue, which draws tourists all summer long.

Paulina Lake and the neighboring Volcanic Monument are well-liked destinations for boating, swimming, hiking, and camping about 25 miles south of Bend. The only ways to get to a warm spring on the lake's north bank are by boat or a coastal trail. On Paulina Lake, both motorized and non-powered boats are permitted. Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout are also abundant in the lake.

East Lake, a nearby lake in the Newberry Caldera, is widely known for the large brown trout that are caught there. On the southeast coast, the East Lake Resort offers cabin rentals, tent camping, and RV parking. Rental boats are available at the resort.

The neighboring Lava Lands Visitor Center is a must-stop when visiting either lake in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This learning environment provides a thorough understanding of the local surroundings.

Location: Deschutes County, Oregon

A treasure of the Cascade Mountains located in the Willamette National Forest is Waldo Lake. It is the second-deepest natural lake in the state after Crater Lake and one of the biggest overall. Although Charlie Tufti, a Molalla Indian, made the initial official discovery, the lake is named for John B. Wald, an Oregon resident. Since 1971, people have been coming to the lake, and it is now one of the most popular destinations in the state.

For its pure scenery and recreational activities, many people travel to Waldo Lake. On the water or in non-motorized watercraft, only electric motors are permitted, and the top speed is 10 mph. Due to these restrictions, the lake's surface is littered with numerous kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The numerous miles of hiking paths in the Waldo Lake Wilderness region are among the many popular land activities.

The water is also renowned for its purity and is extraordinarily pure, with visibility of more than 120 feet on clear days, in part due to its absence of inlets and fertilizer development.

Every year, in late June or early July, the three established National Forest Service campgrounds around Waldo Lake open. There are more than 200 campsites accessible in all, and many of them are occupied all summer long. Bookings can be made up to six months in advance.

Location: Willamette National Forest, Oregon

Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake is a stunning artificial lake that is about 12 kilometers southwest of Mount Hood. With the mountain in the background and its reflection inside, it is a well-known location for photographs.

The best thing to do at Trillium Lake is to go in the water, whether it's paddling a SUP, boarding an inflatable raft, or simply relaxing along the shoreline. Companies may arrange kayak rentals at Trillium Lake, and there are a few boat ramps and a fishing pier.

The 63-acre lake's abundance of trout makes it a well-liked place for fishing, and kids like seeing the ducks that frequently hang out on the shore. Walking the two-mile Trillium Lake Loop Trail, which is mainly level and has fantastic views of Mt. Hood and the nearby wetlands, is another fantastic pastime for people of all ages. All ages can enjoy the three kilometers of very simple terrain.

The lake has a campsite along its eastern shore, making it a well-liked location for camping. It is a well-liked location for Nordic skiing in the winter.

Location: Clackamas County, ‎Oregon‎

Sparks Lake is located about 25 miles west of Bend off the Cascade Lakes Highway. The lake was named for "Lige" Sparks, a pioneer stockman of central Oregon. This picturesque natural lake is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges. Dark-green forests, bright-green meadows, and deep-blue skies will linger on your real or imaginary canvas.

Boats with and without motors leave a soft wake on Sparks Lake all summer long. However, because the speed limit at Sparks Lake is only ten miles per hour, it is not a good place for water-skiing or tubing. The only sort of angling permitted on the lake is fly-fishing. The old lava flows that block the shoreline make boating the most common method of casting a line.

Sparks Lake receives a lot of visitors thanks to this distinctive shoreline as well as other vivid Cascade Mountain features. The 2.5-mile Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail provides a wonderful, informative approach to discovering picturesque surroundings. The trail starts close to the Sparks Lake boat launch and winds through lodge pole pines and lava flows.

Location: Central Oregon

Accessible from Ashland and Medford in Jackson County, Emigrant Lake is a nice place to escape the Southern Oregon heat. The lake has a large shoreline and a campground along the water, making it a well-liked day trip and overnight destination. The county-run 280-foot twin-flume waterslide is one of the lake's distinctive attractions.

Emigrant Lake welcomes all kinds of boating. Visitors can anticipate seeing kayaks and water skiers skimming across the river on any given summer day. Anglers cast lines for bass, crappie, and trout when fishing, which is another pastime of visitors. On the lake's northern bank, in Emigrant Lake County Park, lies the boat ramp.

Within Emigrant Lake County Park is the campground for Emigrant Lake. The campground has thirty-two sites that can accommodate RVs and offer full hookups. Forty more campsites are more suited to a tent and little trailer camping. At Emigrant Lake, all campers have access to shower and bathroom facilities as well as fantastic water views.

Location: Jackson Country, Oregon

Elk Lake, located in central Oregon 45 miles from Bend and close to the inspirational Mount Bachelor peak in the Deschutes National Forest, offers a picture-perfect location. The stunning lake has unspoiled surroundings and lovely beauty amidst ponderosa pine forests. Both Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters Mountains, which are covered in snow, dominate the eastern and northern sides of the lake, respectively.

A popular summertime destination for boating, fishing, and swimming is this lake's exquisite clarity. Around the lake, there are hiking routes, four campgrounds, a lodge, and three day-use places. Anglers should throw their lines on the southern bank of Elk Lake since kokanee salmon are the most prevalent species there.

The National Forest Service runs Elk Lake Campground, which has 26 bookable sites, on the northern shore. Campsites, cottages, and a lodge restaurant are all available at the nearby Elk Lake Resort. Additionally, the resort offers other amenities like scenic cruises and private dock rentals, along with pontoon boat rentals. The lake is accessible all year long, however between late May and November, access is restricted by snow and ice.

Location: Deschutes County, Oregon

In the high desert region of eastern Oregon, this enormous reservoir serves as a premier recreation location. Lake Billy Chinook is located within a canyon that the three rivers dug out approximately 11 million years ago and it is one of the best lakes to visit in Oregon. It includes more than 70 miles of shoreline and includes waters from the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers. The lake's impressive canyon walls provide additional aesthetic appeal while boating, fishing, or camping close to the beach.

The 1,600-hectare lake is a well-liked location for boating, sailing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Many visitors also come for the fantastic small-mouth bass, brown trout, and sockeye salmon fishing.

The finest place to experience Lake Billy Chinook is at The Cove Palisades State Park, which is on the Deschutes and Crooked River portions of the lake. Over 160 campsites, ranging from tent-only camping spaces to RV places with full hookups, are available in the state park. The State Park also offers a boat launch, fishing pier, and guided kayak tours as additional means of getting to the lake.

Location: Jefferson County in the U.S. state of Oregon

A well-known high mountain lake, Todd Lake is situated in the Deschutes National Forest close to Bend. The 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway provides quick access to the lake. From late spring until early fall, traffic is allowed on this picturesque road.

Todd Lake is a terrific location for families searching for simple alpine activities because only a short amount of hiking is required to get to the coastline. Todd Lake does not allow motorized boats, however kayaking, hiking, and photography are very popular. Less than five lakeside tent sites at the adjoining Todd Lake Campground are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The most popular location for getting on the lake is the Todd Lake Day Use Area. Facilities include areas for fishing from the shoreline, picnic tables, and restrooms. The Todd Lake Trailhead is where visitors can enter the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Location: central Oregon

About 10 miles north of Crater Lake in the Umpqua National Forest of southern Oregon is a popular summertime vacation spot called Diamond Lake. All access roads are paved and sanded for travel in the snow, making it a beautiful place to visit in the winter as well. But this treasure of the Cascade Mountains shines brightest in the summer.

With a special use permit from the Forest Service, the family favorite Diamond Lake Resort runs close to the coast. There are flats, suites, and cabins available at this well-known holiday spot. In addition, there are various campsites, a lovely cabin, and a restaurant on the property.

This region of Oregon is awash in recreation. The lake is stocked with trout by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, making it a popular location for fishing. The forest's lake was encircled by miles of hiking and mountain riding routes. In the summer, the distance to the Crater Lake rim is less than 16 miles.

Location: in the southern part of the U.S. state of Oregon